Best rooftop al fresco: Banko Cantina

The rooftop at Banko Cantina. (Photo contributed)

This brand-new, tri-level restaurant and bar boasts a sleek rooftop lounge that’s a splendid perfect urban perch. The view may not be crashing waves or bobbing boats, but it certainly establishes a sense of place: downtown West Palm Beach.

The 1921-era building itself, once the home of American National Bank, is a landmark. It’s listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1997.

Best sidewalk al fresco: Rocco’s Tacos Clematis

Watching the parade of nighttime Clematis Street revelers is made far more pleasurable by a heaping bowl of fresh-made guacamole and a frosty margarita. You get this along the sidewalk tables at Rocco’s, epicenter of 200-block action in downtown West Palm Beach.

Plus, you get more than decent Mexican grub. (Come back for some of the best brunch in town on weekend mornings.)